Leadership

Leadership

Joy Wilkie
President & CEO

Joy Wilkie, Registered Nurse (RN), has more than 40 years of varied clinical and administrative experience in the acute care hospital, peer review organization, and health plan (payer) and managed care environments.  Her knowledge and expertise are the foundation for the strong strategic direction of VARIS in the ever-changing healthcare environment.  Prior to VARIS, Ms. Wilkie served in a leadership role at a large national health plan where she was responsible for the development of the DRG Recovery Audit Program for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), for the program development and oversight compliance of the corporate DRG recoupment, Utilization Management, Peer Review Organization, and Claims Medical Review programs for the TRICARE Managed Care Support Contractor and established subcontractors.  Ms. Wilkie established the DRG recovery audit functions for the VA and the TRICARE program generating maximal levels of success.  Today, she leads VARIS whose customer-centric focus has more than 40 clients nationwide.

Lisa Polte
Vice President Operations, Inpatient

Lisa Polte has more than 30 years of healthcare experience.  Ms. Polte oversees the inpatient audit and record procurement teams at VARIS to ensure optimal business performance and customer satisfaction.  Prior to VARIS, Ms. Polte held numerous leadership positions in consulting and in hospitals focusing on team building, change management, data analytics and performance improvement.  Ms. Polte holds a BS degree and RHIA certification as well as a Masters degree in Health Informatics and Information Management.

Phyllis Cartwright
Vice President Operations, Outpatient

Phyllis Cartwright, Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), and CCS, has more than 30 years experience in healthcare operations and leadership including client performance management, data quality, OPPS and IPPS reimbursement methodologies, regulatory compliance, revenue cycle management, strategic planning, systems management, database administration, conversions, upgrades, and installation coordination. Her experience spans from vendor / consultant organizations to hospitals, long term care facilities, critical access hospitals, physician professional practices, a variety of auditing services, and HIM service leadership. Ms. Cartwright’s commitment as a HIM professional is demonstrated through her successful ability to lead people and projects, client management, with the ability to manage change and expectations with a high degree of professional integrity. She is a successful healthcare executive with extensive operational, consulting and subject matter / technical expertise.

Dean Wilkie
Chief Financial Officer

Dean Wilkie is an experienced financial executive providing accounting and financial management and administration. He has consulted, designed and installed numerous accounting and information systems and has been the chief financial advisor for the startup of several companies including fast food restaurants, cable television companies and a medical billing audit company.

Mark Chaussee
Information Services and Technology Director

Mark Chaussee has more than 35 years of experience in Information Systems and Technology. Mark has made the IT industry his life long career and he is passionate about finding simple solutions to complex problems. He has an aptitude for creating and fostering highly skilled and collaborative cultures that share a common pursuit of excellence and respect for others.

Robyn Wilkie-Fritzsche
Business Development and Marketing Director

Robyn Wilkie-Fritzsche is a seasoned business development and marketing professional with experience in both leadership and staff positions in the health care and the regional/lifestyle media markets. At VARIS, she is responsible for planning and implementing business development and marketing, both long and short term as well as active participation in the design, planning, due diligence, and implementation of the strategic business objectives, new strategic business opportunities, initiatives, partnerships, and/or alliances. Ms. Wilkie-Fritzsche is customer focused and understands the importance of client partnerships. With her Bachelor of Arts in Communications, market knowledge and background in strategic planning, data analytics and leadership she is able to provide VARIS’ clients and potential clients with unique advantages. Her dynamic nature positions VARIS for a successful future.